Combined pressure regulating and relief valve assembly



y 8, 1943 H. W.CAR N E$ 2,319,659

COMBINED PRESSURE REGULATING AND BELIEF VALVE ASSEMBLY 2 Sheets-Sheet 1Filed Aug. 24, 1940 I INVENTOR HERMAN W, CARNES I ATTORNEY May 18, 1943I H. w. CARNES 2,319,659

COMBINEUPRBSSURE REGULATING AND RELIEF VALVE ASSEMBLY Filed Aug. 24,1940 2 Sheets -Shet 2 INVENTOR HERMAN W. CARNES ATTO RN EY ,sembly.

Patented May 18 1943 UNITED STATES PATENT-OFFICE COMBINED PRESSUREREGULATING AND RELIEF VALVEASSEMBLY Herman W. Carnes, Indianapolis,Ind., assignor to Carbide and Carbon Chemicals Corporation, acorporation of New York Application August 24, 1940, Serial No. 354,019

4 Claims. (01. 50-26) Thisv invention relates to pressure regulatingapparatus, and more particularly to a combination pressure regulatingand relief valve as- In controlling the flow of fluid from high pressurestorage devices, such as cylinders or tanks to a distribution system, itis common practice to employ a pressure regulating valve for maintainingthe pressure of the fluid in the distributionsystem at adesiredsubstantially constant value, and a pressure relief valve forventing fluid from the distribution system in the event that thepressure in the latter exceeds a predetermineddesired safe value. Suchapparatus is particularly necessary in isolated gas supply systems thetype in which gas for domestic appliances is supplied from cylinders orcontainers in which the gas is stored either in a liquid or gaseousstate under relatively high pressure. In such systems,- the pressure 01the gas must be reduced to a relatively low value which is safe andpractical for domestic purposes. Additionally, protective means must beprovided in order to prevent excessive pressure in the distributionsystem endangering the safety of theuser of the gas.

In isolated gas supply systems of the type described above, it iscustomary to mount one or more cylinders of gas, together withthenecessary regulating equipment; in a suitable cabinet.

The regulating equipment usually includes manually or automaticallyoperable valves for'switching the gas supply from an empty cylinder to afull cylinder when one cylinder has become. exhausted, suitable gaugesfor indicating the.

pressure of the gas in the container and in the distribution system, apressure regulating valve for maintaining the pressure of thegas in thedistribution system at or below a predetermined value, and a pressurerelief valve for venting gas from the distribution system when thepressure of the gas therein exceeds a desired safe value. In order tomaintain the size of the installation within desired limits, thearrangement of the equipment must be made as compact as possible.Heretofore,',the pressure regulating valve and the relief valvegenerally have been separate units, requiring a considerable amount ofspace for mounting and increasing the cost of installation.

Itis an object of this invention to provide a combined pressureregulating and relief valve assembly: to provide pressure regulatingapparatus including a pressure regulating valve and and relief valveassembly which is simple and compact in construction and eflicient inoperation, and readily adaptable to mounting in inaccessible places andto easy connection with sources of fluid.

These and other objects of the invention will in part be obvious and inpart become apparent from the following description and the accompanyingdrawings; in which:

Fig. 1 is a left end view of a valve assembly embodying the principlesof the invention;

Fig. 2 is a right end view of the valve assembly shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a section on the line 3-3 of Fig. .1, looking in the direction01 the'arrows;

g Fig. 4 is a view or a casting forming part of the valve assembly,showing a portion of the pressure regulating valve;

Fig. 5 is a section on the line looking in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 6 is an end view, partly in section, of a modified form of valveassembly embodying the principles of the invention; and

Fig. '7 is a section on the line 1-1 of Fig. 6, looking in the directionof the arrows.

Generally speaking, the pressure regulating Y apparatus of the inventioncomprises a pressure pressure responsive means in the form of a fiexiblediaphragm clamped between two casing sec-' tions providing'a diaphragmor spring chamber and a delivery pressure or outlet chamber. Anadjustable spring acts against one side '01 the diaphragm which is movedagainst the spring by the pressure of gas in the outlet chamber. leveris pivotally secured in the outlet chamber for transmitting movement ofthe diaphragm to a valve that controlsthe flow of gas from an inletpassage into the outlet chamber, the arrangement being such that aslight fall of outlet pressure causes the diaphragm to move the valve bymeans of the lever so that the valve port is opened wider allowingmoregas to flow from the inlet passage into the outlet chamber to maintainthe desired delivery pressure.

The relief valve employs a pressure responsive means in the 'form of aflexible diaphragm clamped between a casing section and a spring housingand providing a diaphragm or spring chamber separated from the deliverypressure 01 Outlet chamber by the diaphragm. An adiust- 5-5.): Fig. 3, v

one side of the diaphragm which may be pushed against the spring by thepressure of gas in the outlet chamber. Normally, the diaphragm is seatedagainst and seals a fluid outlet Opening formed in the casing section,the arrangement being such that an increase of the outlet pressure abovea predetermined or desired safe value causes the diaphragm to move awayfrom the valve seat to open the outlet chamber and vent the fluid in thechamber to the atmosphere or to a suitable discharge conduit, until suchtime as the pressure has dropped below the value for which the reliefvalve spring has been set.

Referring now to the drawings, the valve assembly shown in Figs. 1-5includes an inlet chamber A, an outlet chamber B, a regulator valvespring chamber C and a relief valve spring chamber D. The outlet chamberB is formed in a substantially circular integral member such as acasting i having an opening bounded by an annular rim or wall ii, theopening being sealed by a regulator valve diaphragm 12 having itsmarginal portion secured against the rim H.

The wall of the casting, I0 opposite such opening has a trough-likedepression i3 which extends diametrically from the annular rim or wall ii of the casting to the center thereof. An inlet opening I4 is formed inthe outer end wall of the depression, and adjacent the inlet opening thecasting I0 is formed with an opening [8 having a shoulder H. The openingI6 is formed partly in the depression [3 and partly in the annular wallof the casting III, as by milling or counterboring. A relieivalvediaphragm i3 seals the opening I5. Adjacent its inner end, depression I3is formed with a transversely extending recess 23 terminating at eachend in aligned bosses I9 and 20 which are drilled and threaded to formoutlet openings or passages 2| and 22, respectively, communicating withsaid recess.

The inlet chamber A is formed in an integral radial extension of castingl0 adjacent the opening I6, and the outer end of the extension isthreaded, as at 26, for connection to a source of fluid under pressure.Chamber A includes a passage 21 extending centrally through extension25, aligned with opening l4, and enlarged at its outer end to form aconical recess 28. Seated in the opening l4 and the passage 21, is anozzle insert 95 enlarged at one end to fit recess 28 and reduced at theother end to form a valve seat l5 projecting into chamber 13. Filtermaterial 90 may be disposed within the insert 95.

Flow of fluid from the inlet chamber A to the outlet chamber B throughthe nozzle insert 95 is controlled by the pressure regulating valve.Adjacent the opening l4, the side walls of depression i3 are formed witha pair of directly opposite blocks or lugs 35, each block having an openslot-like recess 31 in its upper surface. A pivot for a valve lever 39is formed by securing the ends of a transverse shaft 4| in the recesses31, and the hub of lever 39 is journalled on the shaft 4| between theblocks 35. The lever 39 extends longitudinally of depression i3substantially to the center of diaphragm l2, where the end of the leveris seated in a slot 42 in a connecting link 43. Link 43 is formed withan enlarged bearing face 44 engaging one side of diaphragm l2 and athreaded extension 45 extending through the diaphragm. Engaging theother side of the diaphragm is a backing plate 46, and engaging theplate 46 is a spring seat 41. The

central portion of diaphragm I2 is clamped between the bearing face 44and plate 48 by means oi. a nut 49 threaded on extension 45 and engagingspring seat 41.

The pivot end of lever 39 is formed with a recess 49 in which is held avalve member 50 of rubber or other flexible material. Movements ofdiaphragm 12 in response to pressure variations in chamber B arecommunicated to lever 39 through link 43. The valve member 50 engagesthe valve seat l5 to control the flow of fluid from chamber A to chamberB through the nozzle or f opening I4 in response to movement ofdiaphragm i2 and lever 39.

Diaphragm i2 is secured in gas-tight relation to casting 19 by a springcasing 52 having a flat circular rim portion 53, secured to casting I0by suitable means such as machine screwsv 54. The casing 52 is formedwith a central spring housing 55, the outer end of which is internallythreaded. A regulator valve spring 53 is disposed in housing end one endof the spring engages spring seat 4i'. The opposite end of the spring isengaged by an adjusting nut 51, threaded into the housing 55 and formedwith an annular, spring-centering shoulder 59. The outer end of thehousing 55 may be closed by a cap 59. A small hole 60 in the housing 55provides atmospheric pressure within the housing.

Venting oi! fluid from the chamber B when the pressure exceeds apredetermined value is controlled by the pressure relief valve includingthe diaphragm l9. For this purpose, the opening it in the depression I3is bridged by an integral member, such as a strut 55. The strut isdrilled longitudinally to form an outlet passage 55 enlarged at itsouter end ll. A transversely drilled passage 99 intersects passage 83adjacent its inner end, and passage 58 is threaded to receive aremovable valve seat member 59 operatively associated with diaphragm II.

A relief valve spring casing 19, formed with a threaded spring housing II, has a flat rim portion 12 secured to the shoulder I! by suitablemeans, such as machine screws II. The periphery' of diaphragm i8 issecured in'gas-tight relation between the shoulder I1 and the rimportion 12 of easing I9. Diaphragm i9 normally is held in sealingengagement with member 59 by a spring 14 in housing ll. One end ofspring 14 engages a spring seat 15 on one side of diaphragm II, and theopposite end of the-spring engages an adjusting nut I6 threaded intohousing II.- The outer end of the housing may be sealed by a cap member11. A small hole ll in housing 1| provides atmospheric pressure withinthe housing. The casting II is formed with an easily accessible mountingarrangement in the form of a protuberance 92 having a threaded opening93 to receive mounting or supporting means, such as a bolt. I

In operation, the inlet chamber A may be secured to a suitable source offluid under pressure. If desired, the valve assembly may be secured tothe'outlet of a change-over valve of the type described and claimed inPatent No. 2,197,144, issued on April16, 1940, in the name of Herman W.Games. The outlet connection for the valve assembly may be secured ineither or both of the outlet openings 2! or 22, as is most convenient ordesirable. If one of the outlet openings is not used, it may be sealedby a suitable plug 95 having a squared head 91 to receive a Wrench orsimilar device. Fluid vented from the chamber B through the relief valvemay be discharged disuitable connection can be secured therein todisformed in the extension. 25', and communicate charge the vented fluidat any desired point.

In operation of the valve assembly, full pressure of the fluid from thesource of supply exists in inlet-chamber A. The regulator valve-spring56 is set for the desired operating pressure by means of nut 51 and willurge diaphragm I! and the inner end of lever 39 inwardly. The valvemember 50 will be urged awayf'rom valve seat I! until such time as thepressure of the fluid in chamber B equals or exceeds that for whichspring 56 has been set. When this condition occurs, valve member 50 willengage valve seat I! to interrupt flow of fluid through inlet or nozzleI4 from inlet chamber A to outlet chamber B until such time as thepressure in chamber B has dropped below the preselected value. Bysubstituting springs of diflerent effective strengths for the spring 56,a large range of operating pressures may be provided. v

Normally the relief valve is designed to open at a higher pressure thanthat maintained in cham-' ber B by the regulator valve. The pressure atwhich the relief valve opens may be set by'adjustment of spring 14through nut 10. The cap member 11 is provided so that this setting maynot be changed by an unauthorized person. It the pressure in chamber Bexceeds that for which the relief valve is set, diaphragm It moves awayfrom valve seat member 89. Fluid'is then vented through the outletpassage 68 until the pressure in chamber B drops below that for whichthe relief valve has been set.

When the valve assembly is used in an isolated gas supply system, spring56 usually is so adjusted as to maintain the pressure in outlet chamberB at about 10, inches of water column. This pressure will fluctuateslightly due to opening and closing of the regulator valve in admittingfluid to th outlet chamber B. However, these minor fluctuations inpressure will not affeet the relief valve, which preferably is set forabout one pound per square inch. If the pressure in chamber B exceedsone Pound, diaphragm It will move away from valve seat member I! to ventfluid until th pressure in chamber B has dropped below one pound.

It will be observed that the valve assembly is compact, readily mountedin any desired location and readily adaptable for use with varieddistribution system arrangements. The caps 58 and I1 prevent dirt fromentering the mechanism. The slot 42 in link 43 permits some play .of thevalv lever 39 to assure effective seating of the valve member 50 on thevalve seat l5.

Figs. 6 and '7 illustrate a modified form of the valve assembly. Inthese figures, likereference characters primed have beenused todesignate like or corresponding parts. The modifled form of inletchamber A is formed in an integral ex-,

tension 25' of the casting i", and the outer end with the chamber Athrough ports ii and 32,

respectively. The outer end of each recess 29 and 3| is threaded as at33 and 34..

As illustrated, the valve assembly may bersecured to a source of fluidunder pressure by means of aconnection 80 securedin the recess 30. Thisconnection may comprise a flexible tub-. ing ll having atone end aflange 82 engaged by a compressible packing 83. A nut 84 surrounding thetubing 81 may be threaded into theirecess 30, urging flange 82 intoengagement with,

the bottom of the recess and compressing the packing to provide afluid-tight connection. The opposite end of the tubing may be solderedor otherwise secured to a tail-piece 85 provided with 1 a nut 86 forattachment to a gas cylinder or other source of fluid under pressure.The opposite recess 29 may be closed by compressible packing I! held inplace by a threaded plug 88.

A check valve 89 may be provided in tailpiece II to prevent reverse flowof fluid and dispense with the need for a special manifold valve forthis purpose, and suitable flltermaterial 90 may be provided in chamberA and in tailpiece 85.

It will be obvious that a connection 30 may be secured in either one orboth of the recesses 29 and 3., as desired. If one of the recesses isnot used, it may be plugged, as shown in Fig. 6. Furthermore, byremoving a cap 9| secured on the reduced and threaded portion 26' of theextension 25' and plugging both recesses 29 and 30, the valve assemblyof Figs. 6 and '7 may be secured to the outlet of a change-over valve ofthe type' described and claimed in the Games patent, supra. The severalinlet connections permit ready adaptability of this valve assembly touse in many applications. As. the construction and operation of thisvalve assembly are otherwise substantially the same as that illustratedin Figs. 1-5, further description is believed unnecessary.

While specific embodiments oi the invention have been shown anddescribed, it will be obvious that the invention" may be otherwiseembodied .and the dimensions and interrelation of parts changed withinthe scope of the appended claims.

I claim: 1. A valve assembly comprising, in combination, a castingformed with an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber communicating withsaid inlet sive diaphragm sealing said bottom opening; op-

of this extension is reduced and threaded as at 26'. An inlet nozzle oropening l4, surrounded by a raised valve seat i5, is formed in on endwall of the depression II. The outlet-openings and the relief 'valve, inthis modified valve assemv bly, are located midway of the depression IIwhich extends diametrically across the casting l0. Y

The chamber A includes a passage 21' extending centrally through theextension 26' and aligned with the nozzle or opening l4, and thispassage is enlarged at its outer end to form a conical recess 28'.Oppositely extending aligned transvers recesses 0r passages 29 and 30are positely disposed outlet openings communicating with saiddepression: and a member bridging said depression adjacent said bottomopening and formed with anoutlet passage normally sealed by saiddiaphragm.

2. A valve assembly as claimed in claim 1,

in which said inlet chamber is formed with a central passage adapted tobe secured to a valve mechanism and with transverse recessesintersecting said passage and each adapted to have secured therein aninlet connection.

3. A valve assembly as claimed in claim 1, in which said castingincludes a protuberance formedv with a threaded opening to receivemounting means for said casting.

4-. An article or manufacture commaisilng a substantially circularintegral member having a substantially circular wall bounded by ananbeing formed with a passage extending axially nular wall, saidsubstantially circular wall being through said extension, said extensionalso being formed with a trough-like depression extending formed with apair of transversely extending pasfrom said annular wall to the centerof said subsages intersecting said axially extending passage. stantiallycircular wall, and with an opening 5 and the inner end or saiddepression being formed partly in said depression adjacent the formedwith a transversely extending recess outer end thereof and partly insaid annular wall, terminating at each end in aligned bosse drilled saidannular wall being formed with an integral and threaded to form'passages communicating radial extension adjacent the opening in saidwith said recess. depression, and said extension and annular wall 10HERMAN .W. CARNES.

